Canadian Rockies Trains · Independent rail vacation

Vancouver and Banff Getaway

4-day Rocky Mountaineer train trip from Vancouver to Banff

Vancouver and Banff Getaway, a rail journey with Canadian Rockies Trains

Canadian Rockies Trains runs this 4-day, 3-night trip, the shortest independent rail package in its Rockies lineup. It starts in Vancouver and ends in Banff, with two full days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train in between. On day 2, the train leaves Vancouver, crosses the Fraser Valley, and passes Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon before an overnight stop in Kamloops. On day 3, it continues east through the Spiral Tunnels, past Craigellachie where the Canadian Pacific Railway's last spike was driven, arriving in Banff for a single overnight before departure the next day. There is no guide travelling with you: hotels, meals onboard the train, and transfers are arranged, but you move through the trip independently. It suits travellers who want a short, scenic introduction to rail travel through the Canadian Rockies without a long itinerary.

What to know before you look closer

  • The lead price of 2,880 CAD (about 2,028 USD) is the Classic tier, with 3 to 3.5 star hotels and SilverLeaf train service; the Premium tier (4,230 CAD) upgrades to 4 to 4.5 star hotels and GoldLeaf service.
  • There is no full day built in to explore Banff itself: you arrive on the evening of day 3 and depart on day 4.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Vancouver

    Arrive in Vancouver

    Welcome to Vancouver! This west coast city on the mainland of British Columbia is surrounded by stunning scenery, towering mountains, temperate rainforest, and the Pacific Ocean.

  2. Day 2railovernight: Kamloops

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Vancouver to Kamloops

    Bright and early this morning, board the Rocky Mountaineer in Vancouver and begin your journey north. Travel through the lush Fraser Valley, then pass the Coast Mountains, the powerful Fraser River and Hell's Gate. See how the landscape becomes more arid as you approach British Columbia's interior and the city of Kamloops.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Banff

    Rocky Mountaineer Train - Kamloops to Banff

    Your second day onboard Rocky Mountaineer begins! Depart the ranchlands of British Columbia and continue your journey towards the beautiful Canadian Rockies. Discover the history of the Canadian Pacific Railway as you pass Craigellachie, where the last spike was driven, and go through the remarkable Spiral Tunnels, an engineering marvel.

  4. Day 4rail

    Depart from Banff

    Your Canadian Rockies train vacation ends today as you depart from Banff. Return home with amazing memories of your time in Canada.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2The Rocky Mountaineer departs Vancouver, crossing the Fraser Valley and Hell's Gate in the Fraser Canyon before reaching the arid landscape near Kamloops.
  • Day 3The train winds through the Spiral Tunnels and passes Craigellachie, where the last spike of the Canadian Pacific Railway was driven, with views of Castle Mountain near Banff.

Included

  • Rocky Mountaineer daylight train journey
  • Gratuities for Rocky Mountaineer
  • Meals onboard the train
  • Hotel accommodation
  • Train station transfers
  • Electronic travel documentation package

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, two days aboard the Rocky Mountaineer daylight train from Vancouver to Banff via Kamloops, with meals onboard and gratuities included.
Is it escorted or independent?
It's independent travel: hotels, train travel, and transfers are arranged, but there is no tour guide accompanying you.
Which train do I take?
The Rocky Mountaineer, in SilverLeaf class on the Classic tier or GoldLeaf on the Premium tier.
What hotels are used?
Classic tier stays at the Banff Ptarmigan Inn (3 star) in Banff; Premium tier upgrades to the Fairmont Banff Springs (4 star); Vancouver's hotel is the Pan Pacific Vancouver (5 star).
How long is the trip?
4 days and 3 nights, with one night each in Vancouver, Kamloops, and Banff.

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